Best washing approach without personal garage??
 

I'm a college student living in an apartment complex. As such, I don't have my own garage to clean my car in. It's been about 2 weeks and there are a few bird droppings on the roof that are easily noticeable given how low the car is. How would you recommend I go about washing the car??

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL5A29qIjnc"]Washing With 'Optimum No Rinse' - YouTube[/ame]

is Optimum No Rinse best in general or just for special situations? I.e., is it better than 2-bucket method?

Wow this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! Do you have any recommendations for towels or quick detailers that I should use with this product?

It's not better than 2 bucket method, but it was designed for people who can't bust out 2 buckets with hose to rinse the car down. It's a huge product around detailers, and a very very good product at that.
You could actually dilute ONR to be used as clay lube/quick detailer. I believe the dilution for QD is 1:6, or 1oz ONR per 6oz of water (I use distilled water).

As far as towels, I've been using these towels and am loving it:
http://www.microfibertech.com/16x16-...-10_p_135.html

You do need a specialized detergent to care for your microfiber towels as well, this is the one I currently use:
http://www.microfibertech.com/Micro-...ent-_p_61.html

I used to go to those do it yourself pressure wash places just for their water. I'd bring my own bucket and soap too. Most places don't like it if you do that but if it's not busy you usually won't hear anything from them.

One of the best thing you can do to keep your cars paint in good shape is to carry around a small spray bottle of quick-detailer spray or spray carwash and a microfiber towel, and clean contaminants like bird droppings off as soon as they happen. Bird crap can permanently etch paint in less than 24 hours.

Yikes! :eyebulge: I noticed the white stains on the roof about 3 days ago. Hopefully another 3 days for stuff to ship won't cause any noticeable irreversible damage.

The bird crap is still on the car?!?!? Get out there right away with a soft cotton towel or even a paper towel soaked in water and carefully remove the bird droppings from the car.

Well crap I'm at work until midnight. How will I focus now. :sigh:

Amen to that! I keep a small tote bag with QD and a pack of 5 towels in the trunk for bird dropping emergencies.

I'm a bit obsessed with quick-detailer and micro fiber towels. It's a great way to keep the car clean in between washes.

I can vouch for the ONR two bucket method as being perfect in an apartment complex - I live on the 8th floor, but park on the 7th because it's covered and do all my washes down there. It's extremely easy to set up, use, and clean up and it works wonderfully.

I would also suggest grabbing some Meguiar's Ultimate Quick Detailer to do quick wipe-aways and touch ups anytime you get droppings, bugs or anything else on the car. You want that stuff gone as soon as possible. You can also use Meg's Quick Detailer on the whole car for a quick no-water wash as well, but shouldn't use it as your regular wash.

Also a quick note that this forum and AutoGeek have been excellent for me learning how to care for my car. The last car I had (2004 Corolla) got washed maybe once every 3 months. Thanks to all the tips on here and AutoGeek (and being absolutely in love with my FRS) I wash at least once every 5 days and have been doing full wax detail every 14, and actually enjoy the process. Anytime you have questions come here, as everyone on the board has been incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.

:w00t: